My Dark Vanessa Character Analysis

Vanessa Wye

Vanessa is the novel’s protagonist and narrator. In her adolescence, Vanessa is talented and introspective but struggles to connect with her peers. After a falling out with her former best friend Jenny, Vanessa feels… read analysis of Vanessa Wye

Jacob Strane

Jacob Strane is a 42-year -old teacher at Browick boarding school who initiates a romantic relationship with his 15-year-old student, Vanessa. Strane is generally a well-liked teacher—he comes off as intelligent and charismatic, and… read analysis of Jacob Strane

Henry Plough

Henry is Vanessa’s English professor in college. When she first meets Henry, he reminds her of Strane. Vanessa tries to impress Henry with her work, and they begin to spend a lot of… read analysis of Henry Plough

Jan Wye

Jan is Vanessa’s mother. She is generally a loving and caring parent. She tries to spend as much time as possible with Vanessa and cries every time she drops Vanessa off at school, but… read analysis of Jan Wye

Taylor Birch

Taylor Birch is Strane’s former student who accuses him of sexual abuse. Taylor first accuses Strane when Vanessa is in college, but Browick dismisses the allegation at the time. Years later, Taylor posts her… read analysis of Taylor Birch

Jenny

Jenny is Vanessa’s former best friend and roommate at Browick. Just before the start of their sophomore year, Jenny and Vanessa had a falling out over Vanessa’s jealousy when Jenny started spending more time… read analysis of Jenny

Ms. Thompson

Ms. Thompson is Vanessa’s 24-year-old dorm parent at Browick. Before Vanessa and Strane begin a relationship, she notices that Ms. Thompson and Strane seem to flirt with each other. One day, Vanessa becomes enraged… read analysis of Ms. Thompson

Ruby

Ruby is Vanessa’s therapist. Vanessa begins therapy in her early 30s to deal with grief after her father dies, but she and Ruby eventually branch out into other topics. Vanessa withholds telling Ruby anything… read analysis of Ruby

Ira

Ira is Vanessa’s ex-boyfriend. They have been on and off for a while and are still in contact in 2017, when Vanessa is working at the hotel. Ira becomes worried for Vanessa when he… read analysis of Ira

Jesse Ly

Jesse Ly is the only other member of Browick’s creative writing club besides Vanessa. Strane is the club’s faculty advisor. When Strane and Vanessa become closer, Jesse notices their relationship and stops attending the… read analysis of Jesse Ly

Charley

Charley is a new friend Vanessa meets at public school after being expelled from Browick. Charley usually hangs out with Jade, and they spend their time drinking, smoking, and shoplifting. Charley initially becomes friends… read analysis of Charley

Janine

Janine is a journalist who relentlessly calls and emails Vanessa about a story she is writing about Strane’s sexual abuse during his time at Browick. Janine tries to guilt Vanessa to talk to her… read analysis of Janine

Minor Characters

Mrs. Giles

Mrs. Giles is the headmaster of Browick. She deals with many reports of Strane’s sexual abuse but repeatedly claims not to have sufficient evidence to punish him. There is ample evidence against Strane, however, so the novel implies that Mrs. Giles values Browick’s reputation above its students’ safety.

Jade

Vanessa becomes friends with Charley and Jade at the same time, but Vanessa becomes closer to Charley over time. Jade becomes jealous and bitter about Vanessa and Charley’s friendship. After Charley moves away, Jade and Vanessa don’t stay in contact.

Inez

Inez is Vanessa’s 17-year-old coworker. Vanessa notices that male guests at the hotel interact with Inez differently than they do with Vanessa because Inez is a lot younger. Vanessa thinks that Inez is very mature for her age because she deals well with the unwanted attention.

My Dark Vanessa Characters